After reading this recent blog post on the daunting prospect awaiting someone who volunteers, or is forced, to run a public library i was reminded of a list i've seen that outlines the legislative framework surrounding just one aspect of library work, stock provision;
Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964
Race Relations Act 1976
Obscene Publications Act 1959, amended 1964
Sex Discrimination Act 1975
Video Recordings Act 1984
Public Order Act 1986
Local Government Act 1988
Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988
The Children's Act 1989
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Data Protection Act 1998
Human Rights Act 1998
Terrorism Acts 2001 & 2006
Racial & Religious Hatred Act 2006
Local Government & Public Involvement in Health Act 2007
you'll hopefully now get some idea why it's crucial that public libraries are kept within local authority control, run and managed by paid and trained staff.
It's not just a book exchange it's a statutory public service, legally and democratically accountable.
for more on Data Protection and volunteer-led libraries see;http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/2014/01/data-protection-and-volunteer-led-libraries/
No comments:
Post a Comment